Elke is the co-owner, co-creator, and founder of Niyagama House. She is a 200-hour registered Hot yoga teacher with Absolute Yoga in 2009 and a Dana Aerial yoga teacher with Niyagama House in 2015. She loves and teaches Vinyasa Flow, a style that is for her like a meditative dance and Yin yoga. On her quest for studying new methods of self-healing, she completed the Mindful-Self-Compassion (MSC), meditation teacher training on June 2015 in Amsterdam and is practicing it since then.

Testimonials

Review by a traveler from Singapore

10 out of 10

"A pristine tea plantation with a landscaped garden opened up when we drove up the driveway. The 3 story house was very elegantly appointed, it had a surreal tranquil and yet homey feel to it. Our room (four poster bed, no less!) awaited us, air conditioned, the cool air aromatically infused. The nearest town was at least some 15 km away but there was much to do at the house. There was a lounging area on the second floor with a collection of coffee table books about Sri Lanka as well as fiction paperbacks. We took a 90 min yoga class in the morning."

"We also ventured out on a 5 km walk outside the estate, where we're greeted by friendly villagers along the way. In the morning, tweets could be heard outside our window. The early morning view of the misty forest afar from the rooftop and flights of a myriad variety of birds were indeed a sight to behold. I say, to fully enjoy, and soak up the tranquility and beauty of the place, you need to stay a minimum three nights."

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Review by a traveler from United Kingdom

10 out of 10

"What an amazing place. Perched atop a tea plantation, Niyagama House really is a world apart from anything else you will ever experience."

"Where do I start? The service - WOW. The team was so polite, so helpful and went out of their way to make us comfortable. They always serve with a smile, and as cliched as it sounds to say it, but really, no request is too much for them. Tea at 10pm by the poolside? No problem, served with a smile. Extra mangos in your fruit salad? Of course! Breakfast at 6 am (because we had to leave early? Done, no problem at all. "

"It's clear that the owners (Elke and her husband) have spent a lot of time and energy training the staff and are very involved personally in this project, you can tell by the care and attention to detail in literally every thing about the place. But back to the service -- its just right. You will love it. 10/10 for service."

"The views --- WOW. it feels like being in the middle of jungle. you see trees, you see lots of flora and fauna, you hear birds and the sound of nature around you. 10/10 for the views."

"The room condition/ cleanliness - impeccable. Although the house is old colonial style architecture, all the fittings are modern and it was always super super clean, to a standard that you would see in any luxury 5 star hotel."

"The food - breakfast is the highlight of the meals. Must try the green smoothie, its amazing! Sri lankan spicy omelette was also very good. And the fresh fruit platter.. yum! we had one dinner there which was very nice, you can have a very nice romantic dinner with a candle near the pool, with your dinner made fresh using local ingredients by a private chef. The pineapple curry was really good."

"Nearby attractions - lots to do. we had a car and driver with us at all times so it was a bit easier for us/ didn't need to use tuk tuks. I would recommend this option over tuk tuk as you just have more flexibility and honestly its really quite cheap in sri lanka. Hikkadu is a great beach to chill by. Unawantuna - bah, too touristy. Galle is nearby but its too touristy, I would happily skip it. in any case, you're close to everything, but also far enough that you will feel totally secluded, but actually wont' be (if that makes sense). there is no other hotel or restaurant within walking distance, which should give you a feel for the quiet/ peaceful nature of this place. "

"yoga - i didn't try it, but my wife did and she said it was the highlight of her trip to Sri Lanka so far."

"overall - 11/10! seriously an amazing place run by an incredibly passionate and committed team of people. loved it!"

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Review by Traveler

10 out of 10

"An amazing place nestled in the lush green tea plantation. The friendlies staff who made sure that all meals prepared was perfect, fresh, healthy and delicious. I went to relax and join the yoga program, and I have to say that it was one of the amazing yoga retreats I've been to. Elke is attentive and incredibly talented yoga teacher/dancer and architect who designed the breathtaking Niyagama House. Although it was a short stay, but I was able to do a lot. Elke designs an active and fun program for those who are interested, and i had so much fun visiting the plantation, taking the tuck tuck ride to Galle Fort and in joining the various yoga classes (Aeriel Yoga was the most interesting). It was my first visit to Asia, it felt like home and Niyagama House was the nest introduction to this beautiful part of the world"

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Review by Michele W. from United Kingdom

10 out of 10

"Staying at Niyagama House is a truly amazing experience. Situated on a tea plantation surrounded by beautiful scenery, my daughter & I felt so relaxed from the moment we arrived. Elke & her wonderful team couldn't have been more friendly, nothing was too much trouble. Meals on the beautiful veranda were informal and delicious, they even made me coconut sambal & egg hoppers for breakfast! We stayed in the Pearl suite, which was so tranquil & lying on the comfy sun loungers on our terrace watching the monkeys play in the trees was a highlight. We thoroughly enjoyed the yoga classes with Clare & Elke, who were very patient with this total beginner. It is definitely a place one can relax and rejuvenate, we will be back!"

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Review by Elke

10 out of 10

"Yoga paradise in the Jungle! The Niyagama House is the perfect place to fill to relax and its batteries with new energy . After a nearly three- week tour of Sri Lanka we spent at Elke the last three days . A gem far away from tourism . Only a few rooms . Wonderful view in the Jungle with monkeys , colorful birds and a radiant floral diversity . Fantastic room with everything you need . We spent the day lying down with yoga and the pool . Yin Yoga on the roof terrace for sunset and jungle sound was incredible . Aerial Yoga tested and learned to float . The kitchen conjures up all day regional quality food . The Staff is friendly and always helpful. And if you want to be in a short time on the stunning beaches or the hustle and bustle of Galle . Thank you dear Elke for this wonderful time!"

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Review by A traveler from United States

10 out of 10

"After four days of Camping, the Niyagama House was a perfect antidote for dirty, hot, and tired bodies. We were dazzled by the beautiful architecture of the hotel when we arrived and even more impressed when we saw our room, a large and super comfortable space with our own balcony. The bathroom was huge and had a rain shower and double sink. "

"The staff couldn't be more helpful and friendly, especially Elke the owner and resident yoga teacher. She arranged our fantastic Ayurvedic type massages and taught a lovely Yoga class. I would like to run away from home to this place."

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Review by A traveler from Dubai

10 out of 10

"I arrived stressed, frazzled, tired, aching, and exhausted. I left rested, rejuvenated, physically repaired, and feeling good about life again. Elke took me in when I was on a low, physically and emotionally. She and her team looked after me with kindness, care, support, and gentleness. Through a daily massage, delicious food, spending lots of chilled out time by the pool reading my book, and working with Elke daily on my yoga. After a few days I was ready to go back out into the world. This is a beautiful place for personal time, healing the soul, but equally a perfect stop on a tour around Sri Lanka as the House is in the middle of a tea plantation, so it doesn't have to be about the wellness or yoga. Thank you Elke! I hope to be back at Niyagama House again soon."

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Review by A traveler from London

10 out of 10

"This is such a special place and we felt so lucky to have the opportunity to stay. There is such a wonderful atmosphere of calm and great kindness that truly rejuvenates. The property itself is incredible with amazing views, a phenomenal pool to relax by, superb, healthy food, and with very comfortable rooms. We were truly touched by the service where every need was anticipated and met with great care and kindness from the moment we arrived at the airport until we were waved off to our next location. Fantastic yoga with Elke. She is amazing and was so helpful with arranging things to do, offering recommendations, and generally doing everything she could to make sure our stay was perfect. we certainly hope to return."

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Review by Marion C. from Dubai

10 out of 10

"I stayed at the beautiful Niyagama House for just three nights which just was not long enough. I can't speak highly enough about the house, service, food, pool, yoga, and meditation, it was all incredible. I left feeling like a new person. Such bliss and a magical experience. I'll definitely be back. Thank you so much Elke and team!"

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Review by Anne Sophie V.

10 out of 10

"This was the last place I stayed in Sri Lanka and it was probably the best one. It is a great place to stay, in a quiet environment yet close enough to Galle fort. I loved the meditation in the morning, so early makes you realize how much a day can give you. I especially liked the yoga, the aerial is my favorite. I wish to find a hammock like that for home! Definitely a place I would go back to."

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Review by Christine V. from Belgium

10 out of 10

"After a stay in Sigiriya and Ella we finished our Sri Lanka vacation with three days in Niyagama house. The first two places and resorts were stunning, but Niyagama house had such an overwhelmingly serene and relaxing effect we almost forgot what we visited before. The house, the garden, and the surroundings are absolutely beautiful. The owner, manager, and personnel are so thoughtful and kind. The meditation and Aerial yoga sessions make it a complete mindful experience. The proximity of Galle Fort is an additional bonus."

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Review by Peiyu C.

10 out of 10

" Perched on top of a tea plantation, Niyagama house offers amazing scenery from every corner. The greenery that surrounds the house offers inner peace, while the beautifully and intricately-designed house is a treat to the eyes. Upon finding out that I would be spending 9 days in Galle, though registered only for the 7-days yoga retreat and not staying in any of the rooms in the House, Elke welcomed me for all 9 days. On top of that, I was given the flexibility to complete my 7-day programme in 9 days. She took such great efforts to ensure that I, as well as all her other guests, were well looked after - from transport arrangements, to food, to day to day activities and the list goes on. It was extremely difficult to bid farewell to the host and her lovely staff who were so accommodating and kind. It is definitely a place where one can relax and rejuvenate. Highly recommended"

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Review by a traveler from ustralia

9 out of 10

"What a wonderful retreat in the beautiful hills outside Galle. We stayed for 3 nights and enjoyed every minute of it. The pool is lovely for relaxing and the food was excellent (especially the Sri Lankan curries and breakfast). Elke and her team do a wonderful job of making you feel welcome and making sure you're comfortable during your stay. We stayed in the Tourmaline room for 2 nights and then moved to the Pearl suite for our last night after some very noisy neighbors kept us awake most of the night...Elke and her team were only too happy to upgrade us to the pearl suite. We didn't do any yoga during our stay but most other guests did and Elke seems like a great teacher. Although the location was very remote, we enjoyed this the most and it was only a short tuk tuk ride into the centre of Galle. We can't wait to come back and experience Niyagama house again, thank you Elke and staff "

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Review by a traveller

9 out of 10

"Niyagama house was a chosen escape given our hectic banking jobs in Singapore. Both my partner and I had high expectations of the trip to rest our overworked minds and bodies, but we knew that trying to fix that in 5 nights would be near impossible"

"But Niyagama house did! From the friendly and ever caring Elke, the attentive staff who spoke English sufficiently to understand what we need, the lovely chefs who tried their best to accommodate all dietary restrictions, and even the kind and sweet natured transport drivers who were ever patient, these characters made our trip extra memorable and helped us to return home completely rejuvenated and rested. For once we were able to sleep by 10pm and get up by sunrise, completed well rested, to thoroughly enjoy ourselves in Elke's yoga classes."

"Niyagama house is situated in a meticulously cared for tea plantation, and is home to the most lovely plantation dogs who will follow you in your stroll dutifully and patiently to make sure you have the most peaceful, tranquil, relaxing stroll in your life. The only little gripe I could think of is if the staff forgets to light the incense at dinner, there might be some mozzies or bugs. This is easily solved by lighting incense however."

"If not for the fact that the partner and I are trying to visit as many new countries as possible, we'll return to Niyagama house in a heartbeat. Highly recommended."